Dezeen · Creativity & design

Parsons Study Flags Plastic Toxicity in Manufactured Homes

A study by Parsons School of Design's Healthy Material Lab highlights potential health risks from petrochemical-based plastics and additives used in American manufactured homes, which are popular for their affordability.

The study, "Manufactured Homes: An Analysis of Health and Environmental Impacts of Common Building Materials," found plastics in flooring, paint, cabinetry, and insulation. Common fossil-fuel plastics like polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, and polypropylene are prevalent, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms.

Researchers suggest that while plastic use is widespread in the building industry, manufactured homes may pose a greater risk due to the emphasis on affordability, which can lead to material choices that externalize health and environmental costs.

The study's findings are based on an analysis of materials from a single, affordable model manufactured by Northstar Systembuilt in Minnesota. While not statistically representative, the researchers consider it a typical example of low-cost manufactured housing.

The Healthy Material Lab aims to demonstrate that healthier, low-carbon materials can be used in prefabricated housing, advocating for affordable options without compromising health. Examples include using linoleum instead of vinyl flooring or wood finishes over plastic.

Concerns about petrochemical-based materials in housing and associated health issues have been noted since the 1990s, with the FEMA trailer crisis after Hurricane Katrina highlighting high formaldehyde exposure risks.

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